**Captain Lakshmi Sahgal Biography**

Captain Lakshmi Sahgal (1914–2012) was a renowned Indian freedom fighter, doctor, and social activist whose life was marked by courage, compassion, and a strong determination for justice. Known for her leadership role in the Indian National Army (INA) during India's struggle for independence, she became a powerful symbol of women's empowerment and patriotism. Her journey from a young medical student to a revolutionary leader and humanitarian doctor is one of the most inspiring stories in Indian history.Lakshmi Sahgal was born Lakshmi Swaminathan on October 24, 1914, in Madras (now Chennai) into a progressive and educated Tamil family. Her father, S. Swaminathan, was a renowned criminal lawyer, and her mother, A. V. Ammukutty (Ammu Swaminathan), was a social worker and later a freedom fighter who became active in the Indian independence movement. Growing up in such an environment profoundly influenced Lakshmi's values ​​and sense of responsibility towards society. From an early age, she witnessed discussions on justice, equality, and national independence, which shaped her political thinking. Lakshmi was a bright student and studied medicine at Madras Medical College, earning an MBBS degree in 1938. She later earned a diploma in gynecology and obstetrics. As a young doctor, she was deeply saddened by the suffering of the poor, especially women, who often lacked access to basic healthcare. In 1940, she moved to Singapore to work as a doctor, where she treated migrant Indian laborers who faced difficult conditions and discrimination. Her clinic became known for serving those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

World War II completely changed the course of her life. In 1942, when Singapore fell to the Japanese, thousands of Indian soldiers of the British Indian Army were taken prisoner. At this time, the idea of ​​forming the Indian National Army (INA) to fight the British Raj under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose began to gain momentum. Lakshmi was inspired by Bose's vision of armed struggle for India's independence. When Bose arrived in Singapore in 1943, she met him and expressed her desire to actively participate in the movement. Recognizing her leadership abilities and determination, Bose encouraged her to form an all-women combat unit within the INA. Thus, the Jhansi Ki Rani Regiment was formed, named after the legendary queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai, who fought against British rule during the 1857 rebellion. Captain Lakshmi, as she came to be known, became the regiment's commander. The formation of the Jhansi Ki Rani Regiment was revolutionary because it challenged traditional gender roles and demonstrated that women could actively participate in armed resistance.Under her leadership, hundreds of women were recruited and trained in military drill, weapons, and combat techniques. Captain Lakshmi believed strongly in equality and discipline, and worked hard to instill confidence and courage in her soldiers. Although the INA's military campaign ultimately failed after Japan's defeat in 1945, the very existence of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment was a milestone in the history of women's participation in India's freedom struggle. It inspired generations of women to take on roles traditionally dominated by men.

After the war, Captain Lakshmi was arrested by British authorities in 1945 but was later released in 1946 due to widespread public support for INA members in India. The INA trials sparked anger across the country and further intensified the demand for independence. In 1947, she married a fellow INA officer, Prem Kumar Sahgal, and moved to Kanpur. There, she resumed her medical practice and dedicated herself to serving refugees displaced by India's partition. She provided free or subsidized treatment to the poor and continued her work as a compassionate doctor for decades.In addition to medicine, Lakshmi Sahgal was also deeply involved in social and political activism. She joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and championed workers' rights, women's equality, and secular values. She was a founding member of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) and actively participated in campaigns against poverty, communal violence, and gender discrimination. Even in her final years, she was seen participating in protests and humanitarian missions, including providing medical assistance to victims of violence and natural disasters.In 2002, Captain Lakshmi Sahgal was nominated by the Left parties for the post of President of India. Although she did not win, her candidacy was highly respected given her lifelong service to the country. In 1998, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, for her contributions to society.Captain Lakshmi Sahgal passed away on July 23, 2012, at the age of 97. Her life is a testament to bravery, perseverance and dedication.